Heavy rains this week caused about $7,000 in damage to a Shelby County General Sessions courtroom.

"It is a problem that occurs in my courtroom every spring when the rain season comes," said Judge Gerald Skahan. "To my knowledge, It has been happening for over 20 years. I have already lost about 25 percent of the seating for people in my courtroom. I cannot allow people to sit on wet and mildewed furniture and carpet while they are in my court. If citizens have bad allergies or a lung disorder, I think this may potentially be a very serious health hazard."

Emergency responders were also preparing Friday for possible river flooding in Memphis. The Mississippi River was just over 35 feet on Friday and the National Weather Service predicted the river will crest at 39 feet within a week and a half.

About 3.12 inches of rain fell on Wednesday in Memphis which broke a record for that day, according to the National Weather Service, and 18.38 inches have fallen this year compared to a normal amount of about 8.5 inches..

Shelby County public affairs office Steve Shular said there have been periodic leaks in courtrooms located below ground at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar, and crews are working to repair Division 9.

"During the recent heavy rains the Division 9 court room had extensive leaking," he said. "Crews are making repairs. Installation of new waterproofing on the lower level will be part of the last phase of renovations of the building."

The Shelby County Office of Preparedness was talking to residents Friday in areas prone to flooding including Downtown Memphis along Second Street, Mud Island and in unincorporated neighborhoods especially along Big Creek near Mirimichi Golf Course, Cuba-Benjestown and Billion Road.

“High water could close roads and threaten homes and businesses," Dale Lane, Director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness, said in a statement. "Leaders from public works, fire, law enforcement, the Red Cross and other support agencies will be ready to respond."

Lane urged the public to report high water at 901-222-6700.

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